Phone scammers are continuing to target local physicians and dentists. The Sheriff's Office has received multiple calls from victims reporting that a man identifying himself as a deputy from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has been threatening local doctors with arrest.

The caller claimed that the doctor had a warrant for their arrest as a result of missing jury duty. The caller knew the correct name of the doctor, but did not appear to possess any personally identifiable information. The victim in one case recognized the call as a scam and hung up. Normally the scammers will attempt to extort money in the form of reloadable money cards or iTunes gift cards. The Sheriff's Office first reported this scam to the public in July of last year.

The Sheriff's Office does not solicit the payment of fines or fees over the phone. Area residents are advised to treat any unsolicited caller who requests payment with extreme skepticism, regardless of who the caller claims to represent. When in doubt get the caller's name, hang up, and then call the business or government entity back at a phone number you know to be correct.

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.